Storm and Outage Details

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Strong storms with severe winds blew through Southwest Michigan and North Central Indiana, knocking out power for more than 35,000 I&M customers, most in the Benton Harbor area.
• We know losing power is frustrating at any time, but especially during extreme heat and a holiday weekend when friends and families are trying to enjoy time together. Assessment and restoration crews are already in the field working, and we will work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. 
• With the extreme heat it is important to stay hydrated and check on neighbors and loved ones, especially senior citizens or those with health complications. I&M representatives are also proactively checking on customers whom we know depend on medical equipment and are currently affected by outages. 
• Another round of severe weather is expected in the overnight hours, which could hamper restoration efforts or cause additional outages.

SITUATION

Approximately 33,700 customers are currently without power: about 30,000 in Michigan and about 3,700 in Indiana.

Severe winds swept through, knocking down trees and limbs and damaging electrical equipment. The significant damage is slowing our crews’ efforts to assess and restore power. Many secondary roads are impassable due to fallen trees, slowing our employees’ efforts to assess or repair damage.

We will set estimated restoration times as soon as we can, but we may have some delay in establishing that information due to the extent of the damage and more weather expected overnight throughout I&M’s service territory.  

During large outage and restoration events, I&M is often assisted by crews from neighboring utilities. Many of those utilities were also hit by the storm, some with many more outages. While I&M has requested additional assistance crews, those will likely come from states further away due to the widespread storm damage across the region.

Restoration crews work in multiple layers of fire-retardant clothing and protective equipment. In the heat and humidity that necessitates frequent breaks for hydration and to prevent heat-related illnesses. If customers see I&M crews sitting in trucks or not actively working, please know our employees are taking scheduled breaks to stay safe so they can continue to restore power.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Stay Away from Downed Lines: All downed lines should be considered energized and deadly. The power line and anything it could touch, including fences, storm debris, and standing water, can carry electric current that could cause serious or fatal injuries. If you see a fallen wire, keep yourself and others (including pets) away and call local police or I&M immediately at 1-800-311-4634.
• Take It Slow on the Road: Drivers should reduce speed and be on the lookout for utility personnel, emergency responders, and tree removal crews working in the area.
• Check for Local Cooling Centers: Some communities set up cooling centers for people to escape the heat. Check with your local city or county.
• For more safety tips, visit www.IndianaMichiganPower.com/Weather.